You're Doing What? Students' Experiences of Advice from a New Zealand University

Buissink-Smith, Nell; Spronken-Smith, Rachel; Walker, Rebecca

Higher Education Research and Development, v29 n4 p357-371 Aug 2010

This case study explores student perceptions and experiences of advising at a New Zealand university. It considers the implications arising from the students' responses and also investigates the influence of students' demographic characteristics on perceptions of advice. Both first- (n = 191) and final- (n = 171) year cohorts of students were surveyed to determine why they chose particular courses, what advice they received and how aware they were of various support services. Although students were happy overall with the advice received, many had little or no expectations of the type of advice they should be receiving. The main sources of advice were the University enrolment pack, family and University School's Liaison Officers. Academic advisers were less well used as a source of advice, even during later years of study. Advisers need to be educated about particular advising issues related to first-generation students, part-time students and international students. Many students had a career path in mind so it is important to provide holistic developmental academic advice that includes future career options. (Contains 3 tables, 3 figures and 1 note.)